The offense played well. The defense played well. But the special teams turned the tide in Republic’s win over Helias in the state quarterfinals.
After the Crusaders marched down the field for a score on their first possession, Garrett Lester ignited the Tigers and their fans with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Mason Cole kicked one of his four extra points to tie the game, then followed it up with an onside kick that freshman Keiran Govan recovered with a leaping catch to give Republic the ball back.
Another score, another onside kick by Cole, and another recovery by Govan, and the Tigers were off and running, on their way to a 28-21 victory. Republic held off a late charge by Helias to advance to the state semifinals, and it was the special teams crew who turned in the Performance of the Week.